Letterkenny Golf Club notes – Late summer continues to benefit

With the early evenings beginning to take their toll on the number of golfers playing in the county, Letterkenny Golf Club are reaping the benefits of forward thinking and positive work.

The club once again drew large entries due to the magnificent condition of the course and taking advantage of the ‘late summer’ was club stalwart and competition regular Tim O’ Farrell [16].

Photo caption: Recent prizewinners at Letterkenny Golf Club pictured with club Captain Gerard Duffy were Eunan Mc Garrigle, Michael Forde, Simon Stevens and Bryan Harkin.

Playing steady handicap golf over front nine to record a nett level par, Tim’s canny course management kept him in sight of the podium and his birdie at Barnhill, the par three 16th, put him on top of it, with his inward nine score of 20pts giving him an end total of 38pts and relegating JP Clarke [9] to runner-up spot on B.O.T.

JP answered a double bogey at Sliabh Sneacht [4th] with birdies at 5th and 9th for an outward nine of 20pts. and again, despite double bogies at 13th and 17th, two birdies at Settlement [11th] and 16th put him ahead of Donegal league panelist  Deron O’Brien[18].  

Making a great start with a birdie at Glebe [par five 2nd]and despite dropping shots at 8th and 9th, it was that double bogey at Bridal Path [18th] that derailed him. Best gross on the day was recorded by club Captain Gerard Duffy with 30 gross pts.

Saturday 17th Open gave us a ‘first-time’ winner in Rory Blaney [16] with a deserved score of 43pts. With a magnificent front nine of 22pts and an inward nine of 21pts., Rory’s only real blemish was a double bogey at Cornagill [10th].

Running a close second just one point short was local sports correspondent Kenny Harkin [14] who recorded a two over par gross score of 23pts on front nine with the help of a birdie at Ramsay’s Isle [par five 7th]only for a ‘blank’ at Sheep Hill [12th] to have him lose out on top spot.

In third place was an Ulster Cup possible for next season, Thomas Mc Donagh [10] Taking the turn with a one over par 37 gross, [23pts.] Thomas’ birdie at 18th just wasn’t enough following a double bogey at Stack Yard [14th] as he finished with 41pts. Saturday’s gross was won by Martin A. Gallagher with 31 gross pts.

Sunday 18th confined competition was won by Senior Team pennant winners’ ‘anchorman’ Henry Mc Cahey [13] who, despite a devastating triple bogey at the index one 6th, Hacketts Best, brought his fighting matchplay spirit into play and recorded a one over par 37 gross on back nine for an overall 42pt. return.

In second place, albeit on a five-way B.O.T., was Patrick Page [12] whose scorecard reads birdie at 10th, double bogey at 12th and birdie at Stack Yard, [14th] giving him 22pts on the way home and an overall 41pts.

Back in the winners circle was Robert Brown [13] in third place who, despite a birdie at 14th, lost out due to that ‘no score’ at 10th. Gross prize, with a magnificent 36pts., was the seasoned Don Ponsonby [6].

Prizewinners from the inaugural Dillons Hotel Annual 2-Day Golfing Event held at Letterkenny Golf Club recently. This two-day competition special is based on a ‘stay & play’ at the Letterkenny based hotel venue and proved a tremendous success with up to 50 guests taking part.

Last weekend also saw the annual Captain’s Weekend, this year to Slieve Russel Golf & Country Club, and taking top prize of the two-day event was single figure member Kieran Sweeney [6] on B.O.T. with Danny Mc Laughlin [12], both tying on 67pts. Kieran’s total being recorded with 33 & 34pts respectively and Danny’s scores being 37 & 30pts.

First day prize went to Bryan Harkin with 38pts whilst Kevin Kiely collected the second day prize with 37pts. Gross was won by Eamon Mc Glinchey, Cat. 4 prize went to vice-captain Ivan Fuery and nearest the pin award went to Liam Sweeney. Club Captain Gerard would like to thank and congratulate vice-captain Ivan on organizing this prestigious event and all those who travelled and played. A great weekend was had by all.

Congratulations to Kevin Roche on achieving an ‘ace’ on Saturday last at the club’s par three Hunters Home [13th]. Kevin used his trusty 5wood. Congratulations also to club member Clive Davison on his prizewinning score in the North Western Golfing Alliance and to Brendan Mc Grath who qualified to the quarter final of the All Ireland Singles Matchplay Championship on Sunday last playing on the O’ Meara course at Carton House.

Anyone wishing to buy a horse for the club’s Night at the Races on Thursday October 29th can contact organizer Anne Condon or any committee member for details. Horses are €10 each and each race pays 1st and 2nd places. It will be a great event, a great night’s craic and we would be delighted if you could come on the night. All proceeds are for the ongoing ‘tee’ development.

The annual club Quiz will be starting very shortly and there are still three team tables available. Anyone wishing to play should contact quizmaster Hugh Gallagher or club secretary Barry Ramsay ASAP.